‘Deliciously twisted’ period drama you can watch for free on Channel 4

The film has been described as a ‘beautiful fever dream’ that transports you to the ‘seedy underbelly of a different place and time.’

The award-winning film stars Anya Taylor-Joy and Matt Smith (Image: Nicola Roy)

If you love a historical drama but are bored with the usual period pieces on streaming right now, there’s one film you should add to your watchlist now. Released back in 2021, it’s a “deliciously twisted” journey that’ll have you on the edge of your seat right until the very end.

The film, Last Night in Soho, directed by Edgar Wright, has now been added to Channel 4’s streaming platform. With a star-studded cast featuring Matt Smith, Anya Taylor-Joy and Sam Claflin, it’s perfect for an at-home movie night. Fans have described it as “dark and twisted,” with a “fabulous 60s soundtrack” to accompany the story.

The psychological horror-thriller follows aspiring fashion student Eloise (Thomasin McKenzie), who has a deep obsession with the 1960s, the culture and especially the clothes of that time. When she moves from her home in the countryside to study in modern-day London, she finds herself overwhelmed by the city’s chaotic nature, doesn’t see eye to eye with her fellow students, and eventually rents a room in a nostalgic bedsit owned by a mysterious landlady.

Soon, Eloise discovers she can “transport” herself back to the Soho of the 1960s through her dreams, where she experiences the life of Sandie (Anya Taylor-Joy), a confident and glamorous aspiring singer.

The film switches between 1960s and modern-day London (Image: Focus Features)

At first, these journeys are great for Eloise as they serve as a source of creative inspiration. Sandie’s world couldn’t be more different to the life that Eloise is living – it’s night after night of performing in jazz clubs and looking glamorous.

When she meets Jack, played by Matt Smith, he introduces himself as a talent manager who promises to help her achieve her dream of becoming a star. However, as the story goes on through Eloise’s visions, Jack is revealed to be much more manipulative and dangerous than he first seems.

The line between the past and present begins to blur as the dark reality of the 1960s underworld reveals itself. As the dreams transform into terrifying visions, Eloise’s mental state unravels, and she must uncover the truth behind the past before it ruins her life in the modern day.

Thomasin McKenzie stars as aspiring fashion designer Eloise (Image: Focus Features)

Critics and fans alike have been full of praise for the film. The Guardian described it as “a deliciously twisted journey back to London’s swinging past” and “a head-spinning fable that twists from finger-snapping retro fun to giallo-esque slasher fantasy”.

It has a score of 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, with one fan writing: “Without a doubt, my favourite Edgar Wright film. Perfect 1960s deep cut soundtrack, great thriller pacing, and great plot. A movie that sticks with you long after the credits roll – as does the soundtrack. An endlessly rewatchable, fantastic film.”

Another said: “Absolutely love this stylish, visually stunning film with great music. One of those rare films I would be happy to watch every few weeks – the soundtrack, the sets and 1960s London – as good as it gets!”

You can stream Last Night in Soho for free on Channel 4.